Match 1

Stars V New Ferry Rangers

Team

Cameron Boyd,Lennon Mather,Mathew Hoey,Alex Ryan (Captain),Lewis Burns,Jonny Holmes,Brandon Scott,Nathan Pugh,Partick Farrelly

Result Stars 4 – 3 New Ferry Rangers

MoM Brandon Scott

In the very first match for an AC Hoylake Stars team we were very happy to welcome a New Ferry Rangers team that were 3 or 4 games ahead of us in games this year, however we were fortunate to be able to put a squad that carried a mix of experience and 3 debutants. The team captained by the experience Alex Ryan got caught up in a midfield battle early on with some great tackles being made from Brandon Scot and Lennon Mather. Jonny Holmes was getting on the ball early but unable to find the pass that would help us break forward. After this committed start we quickly settled into a good formation and started to move the ball well, putting our opponents under pressure. From one move Lewis Burns played the ball through to Jonny who had a fine first touch and was unlcky to see his side footed shot slide inches past. We were not having things all our own way and some good defending from Lennon, Alex and Mathew kept us in the game. The next exciting action came when Lewis who was looking quite composed in the midfield collected a kick out from their keeper and sent a strong shot narrowly wide.

We went into the 2nd quarter with Patrick and Nathan making their debuts and it was Patrick that started causing problems for our opponents with some strong running and fine tackling. We were really starting to win the battle of the midfield with Brandon Scott appearing to be at the centre of all the action. Midway through the half we got what we deserved and took the lead, Patrick playing a lovely weighted pass though to Lewis who calmly slotted past the advancing keeper. This goal gave us a taste and we really started to press for the second. However this didn’t arrive as we reached half time.

The 3rd quarter really saw us starting to dominate and the second goal was a fine example of determination and strength. As our opponents broke down the left Mathew Hoey won not one but two strong tackles and played the ball forward to Patrick on our left wing. After a good first touch Patrick got his head down and attacked the defender, after going past him with ease he cut in and blasted the ball past the keeper from 8 yards on the angle. Our 3rd quickly followed with Patrick again terrorising their defence to score form a tight angle after some powerful running. So 3 – 0 and things were going well amd when our opponents did break the were having little return from Nathan and Lennon at the back who were well supported by our energetic midfield. Just as the quarter was coming to an end we went further ahead when our man of the Match Brandon perfectly timed his arrival at the back post to drive in the 4th.

Going into the final quarter we were playing well but our opponents came back strongly and brought the score back to 4-3, although we almost scored a fifth when Patrick looking for his hat trick ran over half the length of the pitch to see a well struck shot coming of the post. With time running out we were starting to look a little tired, which is not surprising considering it was our first game, with only a few minutes left we conceded a free kick 15 yards out and were relieved to see Cameron produce a fantastic save diving to his right to keep it out. Overall it was a very pleasing performance from all the lads who played some good football at times and battled for everything when we had to.

match 2

 

match 3

AC Hoylake Stars          1 v 3     West Kirby Panthers Black

Team

Cameron Boyd,Nathan Pugh (MoM),Mathew Hoey (Capt),Brandon Scott,Alex Ryan,Lewis Burns,Patrick Farrelly,Jonny Holmes

The Stars took the field for our first local derby against West Kirby Panthers in relatively calm, if a little cold, conditions. The pitch had taken the heavy rainfall overnight well and the ball was sure to be zipping about. The game as all Stars games so far started a frantic pace with tackles flying in and no one find time or space on the ball. The teams were very evenly matched and the game was developing a nice ebb and flow after the frantic start. Our opponents who have played a few games more this season were knocking the ball about well and starting to push us back but finding the versatile Mathew Hoey and Nathan Pugh hard to get past, with Cameron Boyd back between the sticks having an excellent game. Our Midfield trio of Brandon Scott, Leis Burns and Alex Ryan were giving as good as they got but were struggling to get the ball to Patrick in good positions. On the line we felt the first goal would be important and unfortunately it went to our opponents who quickly added 2 more to lead 3-0 after 2 quarters of the match.

However if the first half of the match belonged to our guests then the second half firmly belonged to us with the boys settling down to play some really good football. Lewis Burns was really starting to play some intelligent passes and Brandon Scott’s all action style was certainly causing problems. With the reintroduction of Patrick Farrelly up front we really started to show some teeth with their goalkeeper making a sting of good stops, none better than the save he made to turn a fizzing shot from Lewis around the post. West Kirby were not lying down but if they got past Jonny Holmes who was putting in a strong shift in midfield  their was nothing passing our MoM Nathan Pugh who at one point would have tackled a 1 Tonne truck if you asked him and would probably have come out on top. As the game moved into the final quarter the challenge was laid down to Patrick and Lewis to go and get us a goal and although Lewis couldn’t quite get on the score sheet he done everything else and on another day would have certainly bagged a hat trick. Patrick though was everywhere and deserved not only his goal but also his nomination from our opponents as their MoM. Overall a 3-1 loss was probably not a fair reflection of the play but if the boys continue to develop in this manner it won’t be long until they are reversing this sort of result.

Match 4

AC Hoylake Stars          0 V 5    West Kirby Wasps Orange

Team

Cameron Boyd (MoM),Nathan Pugh,Lennon Mather,Jonny Holmes (Capt),Alex Ryan,Lewis Burns,Brandon Scott,Patrick Farrelly

This week we travelled to Greenbank Rd to play the first of a double header against our local rivals West Kirby Wasps Orange. After observing 2 minutes silence impeccably the match kicked off in what can only be described as challenging conditions and we were immediately on the attack down our right wing with Patrick showing good strength and determination to win us an early corner, however we were unable to make it count. The sides looked to be well matched with West Kirby possibly passing the ball better but we were more than making up for this by some solid tackling from Brandon, Nathan and Lennon. Lewis Burns was also showing some good feet and great awareness in his passing. We were not having things all our own ay and went 1 behind after a good move by our opponents was finished well with the on rushing Cameron well beaten by a fine shot to the corner of the net. In truth Cameron was the busier keeper and was making some fine saves with the score being 1-0 at the break being to his credit.

The second Period began with Alex Ryan coming on and immediately adding some bite to our midfield with some great tackling. Brandon was also showing up well with some good running on the ball. In fact we really started to dominate possession but were unable to break down our opponents who defended well. It was our desire to go forward that turned out to be our undoing as we were hit on the break twice more to find ourselves 3-0 down.

The third period was marked by driving rain being added to the howling wind and making life difficult for all the boys who were starting to feel the cold, West Kirby bhoyed by their lead continued to press forward and Nathan, Lennon and Cameron who were kept busy, lewis Burns was also having a fine match , but was betean to the MoM award by Cameron who had a great game in goal and on more than one occasion came off his line to smother another attack. Jonny Holmes had also came back on and upped his work rate and had listened to instructions by being a lot more involved in the proceedings. With the weather getting worse by the minute it was decided to finish the game at the end of the 3rd quarter, a decision that was welcomed by players and parents alike. Although we went down to a defeat I believe the game was closer than the scoreline suggested and considering this is in essence a new team with little experience, we can be pleased with the progress the boys have made so far this year as it was our desire to go forward that allowed our opponents to capitalise, which is not a bad thing and odes well for the future.

match 5

Friendly against Higher Bebington at home, Final score 0-6, MoM Jonny Holmes

Team : Alex Ryan,Nathan Pugh,Lennon Mather,Mathew Hoey ( Captain),Brandon Scott,Patrick Farrelly,Adam Williams,Cameron Boyd,Jonny Holmes

Due to the weather and Christmas this was the first time the Stars had a game since the 7th December and we had been given a free week, luckily we were able to arrange a friendly against Higher Bebington and we thank them for bringing their team down. The game itself kicked off in glorious sunshine although it was a bit on the cold side, Andy Mather and Graham Pugh took responsibility of the team for the first time and were able to name a good well balanced team. After losing the toss the boys were quickly into the tackle with Brandon Scott and Mathew Hoey winning possession and forcing the ball forward to the lively Adam Williams we were able to force a quick corner. Unfortunately we could not capitalise on this and found ourselves on the back foot. The game had started at a frantic pace and we were defending well with some strong tackles coming in from Lennon Mather and Nathan Pugh. Our midfield was also very industrious with Patrick Farrelly his usual tenacious self. Our opponents were quite a big size and were forcing us back but they were unable to find a way past the impressive Alex Ryan between the sticks. So the first quarter drew to a close with the teams locked at 0-0.

Andy and Graham made a couple of changes anfd replace Adam Williams and Brandon Scott with Jonny Holmes and Cameron Boyd, both boys were quickly in the thick of the action with Cameron showing great determination in the middle of the park to win a couple of tackles, Jonny was having to drop deeper to get involved as we continued to defend well. We were under a fair bit of pressure and eventually went one down as a shot from the edge of the area sneaked past the unsighted Alex. It was not all one way traffic and a few times we were able to move the ball down our opponents right but found them very strong in defence.

As wee moved into the 3rd quarter, Cameron replaced Alex in goals and was soon to find himself the busier of the 2 goalkeepers, however he produce a number of fine stops and bravely dived at the feet of an incoming forward to stop a certain goal. His decision making was good and his awareness of where the goals were was top class. Mathew and Jonny in midfield were still working tirelessly with Brandon and Adam rested trying to push or opponents back with good forward movement. Nathan and Lennon were really having to work hard at the back and great credit to them they never shirked a challenge or situation.

The final quarter was our best for football although as the game opened up we lost another few goals despite some heroics from Cameron. However the football did give us hope with Adam Williams leading the line superbly well, his hold up play and awareness were excellent. Jonny Holmes was capping a MoM performance with intelligent use of the ball and his ability to lift his head to find a team mate will serve him well as the season unfolds. Mathew, Brandon, Patrick and Alex showed great determination and energy and as we play more will develop the stamina required.

Overall the coaches were delighted with the attitude if not the score and feel that given time we have the player to develop into a good unit. So well done to all.

match 6

Match Report 7 Feb 2009

West Kirby Panthers 1, AC Hoylake Stars 3

With a side seriously depleted due to sickness, the Stars were away at Caldy, but at least this time the pitch wasn’t frozen!
Noel Clarke kindly took up the position of ‘keeper, with Nathan Pugh and Cameron Boyd in defence. Midfield consisted of Lewis Burns, Callum Armbruster and Patrick Farrelly, with Adam Williams up front.
With the Panther’s manager requesting to play 8 to keep all the team warm in the cold weather, the Stars called in Elliot Clarke to join Adam up front.

The Stars took control of the game from the start, will all players holding their positions and passing the ball well. With some great balls from Callum to Adam and Elliot, it was the Panthers keeper who was kept the busiest with, while Lewis, Cameron and Nathan made sure the Panthers were not going to trouble Noel

Half way through the first quarter Elliot made a great pass to Patrick, only for his shot to be saved by their keeper. But the keeper’s resulting kick was short and was pounced on by Adam who wasted no time in getting a great shot away and scoring to put the Stars ahead.

The second quarter saw a repeat performance, with the strong midfield keeping the ball in the Panthers half and forcing them to focus on defending the seemingly constant pressure from Patrick, Elliot and Adam. One shot from Elliot was stopped by their defender, who then knocked the ball past his own keeper while trying to kick it out of play, taking the Stars to a 2-0 lead.

With so much activity in the opposition half, a quick break from them caught Hoylake off guard and allowed Panthers to shoot one past Noel, bringing the score to 2-1 at half time.

Hoylake continued to half the greater possession in the third quarter, with Cameron and Nathan defending well and keeping strong at the back, and Lewis and Callum winning the midfield battle and forcing Panthers to keep numbers in defence to stop the increasing darting runs from Patrick and fantastic battling from Elliot and Adam to adding to the lead.

The last quarter saw more of the same leaving Panthers with little chance of drawing level. With just a few minutes to go, a throw deep in Panthers half saw a great move with some fantastic passing from Nathan, Adam, Elliot and Patrick, and throwing Panthers into a bit of a panic with their defender handling the ball in the box. The result was a free kick about 1metre in front of the near post. Patrick stepped up, and with the rest of the Stars in their box shouting for a quick pass, coolly fired the ball between the keeper and the post. 3-1. A fantastic performance by all the players, and a much needed win.

M-O-M  Patrick Farrelly